Sister Churches

Worldwide
Since its early days, the Waldensian Church has worked alongside European Protestantism. Its very survival would have been impossible without support from Swiss, British and German brethren. This explains our current awareness of the ecumenical dimension of Christianity and our active role in the World Council of Churches (a Christian fellowship of all mainstream denominations, except the Church of Rome).

In Italy
The same spirit has led to cross-denominational collaboration at home, where a Federation of Protestant Churches was established in 1967. Its membership includes the Union of Baptist Churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy, the Apostolic Church in Italy, the Salvation Army and the Free Church Fellowship.

In 1975 Waldensians and Methodists merged to form the Union of Methodist and Waldensian Churches. Without forgetting our heritage, we have chosen to work together for Christ’s Gospel and a common witness in this country.

We are also in full-communion with Baptist churches, thanks to mutual recognition of ministers (exchange of pastors and preachers), members (who can transfer freely) and sacraments (baptism and communion).

There are now closer links with some charismatic-evangelical denominations: the Federation of Pentecostal Churches and Seventh Day Adventists are already involved in such talks.